jackson? charvel? which is the best?

[dmtnt]

Seems like you're mainly referring to import Charvels. Keep in mind that in '86 when the Model Series Charvels were introduced, all Jacksons were US made and they had just turned the Charvel brand into the import line. These imports covered a lot of ground and included models with traditional "Charvel" features like full-size strat bodies, etc., but there were also some models that were basically the first import Jacksons. The Model 5 & 6 were Soloists. The Model 4 had many of the same features as the Model 6, but a full-size strat body, so it kind of blurred the lines. Meanwhile, there were USA Jackson strats being made that filled the void left when USA Charvel production stopped. More blurring of the lines. In '89, when the "toothpaste logo" Charvel imports came along, the bolt-on models were much more like a Jackson Dinky than a traditional Charvel strat.

Comparing USA Charvels to USA Jacksons is all about personal preference. There were many specific exceptions (like the Jackson strats), but to keep it simple think of the Charvels more as hotrodded Strats and the Jacksons more as state-of-the-art shred machines, more likely to be neckthrough, more likely to have radical body shapes or dinky strat shapes, etc. One of the best analogies I've heard is to think of a Charvel as a badass muscle car, and a Jackson as a Ferrari. Apples and oranges. I refuse to choose, and love 'em all.

GREAT explanation, thanks!

[Mario8672]

You can't compare a Charvy to a entry level Jackson... That's like saying "Well! The Lamborghini Diablo is better than this BMW junker"

[Holy Diver]

Charvel - 22 frets, full strat size body, 1H, non-recessed floyd. Jackson - 24 frets, neck thru or bolt on, HH or HSS, recessed floyd, 7/8 strat size body. Pretty much sums it up. Play whatever feels best.